Not sure if this is the right place for this thread...mods please move if it is not

Anyway, my buddies and I are trying to plan a trip to Detroit that first weekend in April to see Sox/Tigers...since many of you have been there before, where do you recommend sitting to get the best feel for the park? I'm thinking about driving down for the Saturday game and there are a ton of reasonably priced seats available in the lower deck...how are the pavilion and bleachers? Can you still walk around the lower deck if you sit there? (I'm trying to make this happen on a budget..but I guess the major point of concern would be the weather--in case of a potential rain/snow out-- that's a risk that cannot be avoided though)

Here's the link to whats available on stubhub, much of it at well below face:
http://www.stubhub.com/detroit-tigers-tickets/?event_id=484057

Any suggestions? Much appreciated...thanks a lot.

Fenway

02-08-2008, 12:57 PM

I would recommend the lower deck between first and third. The left field seats are way out there.

It is a fun park and now that they are winning they are drawing well.

Across the street is Hockeytown, USA and around the corner is Cheli's Chili.

Not much else around the ballpark that I saw.

jabrch

02-08-2008, 01:14 PM

I'd suggest not going to Detroit.

With all the great cities we play in, Detroit is damn near the worst of the bunch. The only good thing about Detroit is leaving Detroit.

Cleveland ROCKS compared to Detoilet.

Fenway

02-08-2008, 01:19 PM

I'd suggest not going to Detroit.

With all the great cities we play in, Detroit is damn near the worst of the bunch. The only good thing about Detroit is leaving Detroit.

not yet....for this summer a license and birth certificate ( or a voter card ) will do

In 2009 you will need either a passport or the cheaper passport card they selling now

NU Nish 13

02-08-2008, 01:30 PM

i've heard horror stories about detroit...that's why it would be a one day trip...saturday game is a 3:55 pm ET start so it's quite feasible

jenn2080

02-08-2008, 01:33 PM

i've heard horror stories about detroit...that's why it would be a one day trip...saturday game is a 3:55 pm ET start so it's quite feasible

If I go it will only be for the Saturday game. I have no interest in spending any more time there.

Fenway

02-08-2008, 01:42 PM

If I go it will only be for the Saturday game. I have no interest in spending any more time there.

Windsor is fine....and then run shuttle buses from downtown to the park 2 miles away.

http://www.citywindsor.ca/000600.asp

Transit Windsor operates a cross border service between the downtown areas of Windsor and Detroit via the Tunnel Bus. We also provide service to events at Detroit's Comerica Park and Ford Field.

You can have a great time after the game on the Canadian side and then go to the Sunday game. The hotels all allow you to keep your car to go to the game even though you check out. After the game hop on the bus...get the car...drive to the Ambassador Bridge and get on I-94.

It was a lot better before the US dollar tanked :(:

batmanZoSo

02-08-2008, 01:49 PM

I'd suggest not going to Detroit.

With all the great cities we play in, Detroit is damn near the worst of the bunch. The only good thing about Detroit is leaving Detroit.

Cleveland ROCKS compared to Detoilet.

There isn't much of jack **** on the way there either.

Nice park though and it's really close.

jenn2080

02-08-2008, 01:51 PM

Windsor is fine....and then run shuttle buses from downtown to the park 2 miles away.

http://www.citywindsor.ca/000600.asp

Transit Windsor operates a cross border service between the downtown areas of Windsor and Detroit via the Tunnel Bus. We also provide service to events at Detroit's Comerica Park and Ford Field.

You can have a great time after the game on the Canadian side and then go to the Sunday game. The hotels all allow you to keep your car to go to the game even though you check out. After the game hop on the bus...get the car...drive to the Ambassador Bridge and get on I-94.

It was a lot better before the US dollar tanked :(:

I am confused about the passport thing. I have read that you need at least the passport card.

skottyj242

02-08-2008, 01:52 PM

Well the Sunday game is at night so if you were going to both it would be a late trip back Sunday night, or Monday morning early flight. :D:

dickallen15

02-08-2008, 01:55 PM

I'm going to Detroit in June for 2 of the 3 games. I'll miss the Tuesday game, as Geddy Lee and Rush will be rocking Joe Louis Arena.

doublem23

02-08-2008, 02:00 PM

I am confused about the passport thing. I have read that you need at least the passport card.

Originally the plan was that for any international travel a passport would be required on January 1, 2008, but since then, for ground travel to Canada and Mexico, or sea travel through the Caribbean, a "passport card" which I'm not sure what that is, will do.

Form of ID + birth certificate = no longer enough (as far as I know).

Fenway

02-08-2008, 02:08 PM

Originally the plan was that for any international travel a passport would be required on January 1, 2008, but since then, for ground travel to Canada and Mexico, or sea travel through the Caribbean, a "passport card" which I'm not sure what that is, will do.

Form of ID + birth certificate = no longer enough (as far as I know).

I posted this earlier this week

Now you DO need a passport if you fly into Canada ( or Mexico, Bermuda )

and land crossings or by boat you need a government issued ID and a bith certificate ( or voting card )

In another year you will need this
http://www.whitesoxinteractive.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=97220

wulfy

02-08-2008, 02:44 PM

We went to a Sox/Tigers game last August - great ballpark, great game (Sox knocked Andrew Miller around pretty well) absolutely a **** hole of a town.

We stayed at the Marriott downtown and the best part of Detroit is knowing that you get to leave. We hit the Greektown Casino after the game and I was pretty worried about my 2 block walk back to the hotel. And I grew up and got bused to grade school to 52nd and State - so it's not like I'm not scared of my own shadow.

Maybe doing the Windsor thing is the right thing - we'll try that next time.

doublem23

02-08-2008, 03:05 PM

A Voter's Card is not sufficient proof of citizenship (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land_travel/chnge_in_proced.xml).

Ah yes, the Dept. of State changed their rules again (they have been swamped with passport applications this past year). I'd still recommend getting either a passport, or at very least, a passport card before you venture into Canada or Mexico - you never know when they're going to change their minds again.

Fenway

02-08-2008, 03:14 PM

A Voter's Card is not sufficient proof of citizenship (http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land_travel/chnge_in_proced.xml).

Ah yes, the Dept. of State changed their rules again (they have been swamped with passport applications this past year). I'd still recommend getting either a passport, or at very least, a passport card before you venture into Canada or Mexico - you never know when they're going to change their minds again.

Yup..the trusty voter card is no longer valid

State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Driverís License (when available Ė this secure driverís license will denote identity and citizenship.)* :?:

Several border states (Arizona, California, Michigan, Texas, Vermont and Washington) are working with the Department to produce these enhanced drivers licenses.

raven1

02-08-2008, 03:15 PM

I've made this trip & it's not as bad as some people make it out to be. It's a great ballpark - anywhere you sit is fine, I've done upper deck behind home plate & lower deck outfield and both were great. No matter where you sit, you can access the whole park to look around at the statues, food court/rides, etc. I stayed at the Embassy Suites in the suburbs & drove in - no problems with parking or traffic. If you want to have a nice dinner you should definitely make the trip over to Windsor - far better restaurants than on the Detroit side.

SaltyPretzel

02-08-2008, 03:17 PM

If you want to have a nice dinner you should definitely make the trip over to Windsor - far better restaurants than on the Detroit side.

There is a great Cuban restaurant near the ballpark. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name. The owners are from Chicago and very nice.

Fenway

02-08-2008, 03:19 PM

There is a great Cuban restaurant near the ballpark. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name. The owners are from Chicago and very nice.

We ate here. Maybe the one you are thinking of.

http://www.vicente.us/about.html

PalehosePlanet

02-08-2008, 03:28 PM

Not sure if this is the right place for this thread...mods please move if it is not

Anyway, my buddies and I are trying to plan a trip to Detroit that first weekend in April to see Sox/Tigers...since many of you have been there before, where do you recommend sitting to get the best feel for the park? I'm thinking about driving down for the Saturday game and there are a ton of reasonably priced seats available in the lower deck...how are the pavilion and bleachers? Can you still walk around the lower deck if you sit there? (I'm trying to make this happen on a budget..but I guess the major point of concern would be the weather--in case of a potential rain/snow out-- that's a risk that cannot be avoided though)

Here's the link to whats available on stubhub, much of it at well below face:
http://www.stubhub.com/detroit-tigers-tickets/?event_id=484057

Any suggestions? Much appreciated...thanks a lot.

If you've seen Escape From New York or even New Jack City then you know exactly what to expect when you visit Murder City.

Hotel shmotel!! You and your friends want some real excitement? I suggest you just break into one of the 30 or so abandoned office buildings, hospitals, schools, etc... that are all within walking distance of the park! Overnight you'll have to take turns sleeping and keeping guard that's all. Oh...and make sure the gat is loaded.

Think of stories you'll be able to tell.

Either that, or as said previously go to Windsor. Or stay stateside and go to Ann Arbor.

Cat Thief

02-08-2008, 03:44 PM

Comerica is a beautiful park. I strongly suggest checking it out.

If you stay in Windsor and want to drink at the game the shuttle bus is a good option. But, be prepared to wait. At times those 2 miles can take over an hour to travel.

SaltyPretzel

02-08-2008, 03:48 PM

We ate here. Maybe the one you are thinking of.

http://www.vicente.us/about.html

That's the one. Good call Fenway.

Cat Thief

02-08-2008, 04:02 PM

If you've seen Escape From New York or even New Jack City then you know exactly what to expect when you visit Murder City.

Hotel shmotel!! You and your friends want some real excitement? I suggest you just break into one of the 30 or so abandoned office buildings, hospitals, schools, etc... that are all within walking distance of the park! Overnight you'll have to take turns sleeping and keeping guard that's all. Oh...and make sure the gat is loaded.

Think of stories you'll be able to tell.

Either that, or as said previously go to Windsor. Or stay stateside and go to Ann Arbor.

The wife and I stayed in Windsor. We walked about a mile or two northwest of the Casino and we were wishing that we were still in the Detroit. That was one pretty ****ty area.

steff

02-08-2008, 04:21 PM

The park is definitely worth seeing once, IMO. We've never stayed downtown. We've always stayed in Dearborne by the mall. 10 minute (give or take a few depending on traffic) drive to the park.

Corlose 15

02-08-2008, 04:24 PM

It might be worth it to just stay in the western suburbs and just take the 30-40 min drive into town.

Brian26

02-08-2008, 10:55 PM

Across the street is Hockeytown, USA and around the corner is Cheli's Chili.

Even Hockeytown is a completely overrated place, like a low-rent ESPNZone.

Brian26

02-08-2008, 11:03 PM

The park is definitely worth seeing once, IMO. We've never stayed downtown. We've always stayed in Dearborne by the mall. 10 minute (give or take a few depending on traffic) drive to the park.

I stayed at the Hotel St. Regis for the '05 clincher. It's not within walking distance of the park...you definitely have to cab it, especially after a night game, but it's only a 5 or 10 minute ride.

http://www.hotelstregisdetroit.com/home.html

ilsox7

02-08-2008, 11:24 PM

I stayed at the Hotel St. Regis for the '05 clincher. It's not within walking distance of the park...you definitely have to cab it, especially after a night game, but it's only a 5 or 10 minute ride.

http://www.hotelstregisdetroit.com/home.html

Detroit is beautiful and safe to walk around in during the night. Screw cabs!

NU Nish 13

02-09-2008, 12:36 AM

Does anyone know what order the rows are in? For example, would Row CC be in front of/behind Row M? I'm guessing the double lettered rows are towards the back since they seem to be the cheaper ones on StubHub...

jabrch

02-09-2008, 09:28 AM

Skip Detroit. Hand a right and go to Cleveland.

Chrisaway

02-10-2008, 04:34 PM

What's with all the Cleveland love? That place is a ghost town after games. There's nothing to do. Can't say I've been to Detroit yet though.

Oblong

02-10-2008, 07:24 PM

If you are planning on coming on a Saturday then be aware that you'll probably have to go to the aftermarket for tickets. Full season tickets are no longer available and partial holder pickings is pretty limited. Then they do a presale to season ticket holders. Because of that I don't expect there to much left, especially if you are coming after May. Probably sellouts from that point on.

As for lodging... I can't advise anything downtown. But if you are driving your own vehicle, Dearborn's a great city to stay in. You are only minutes from I-94. Or you could take Michigan Ave allthe way back for the scenic route. It's got a lot of bars and restaurants. Specifically this area (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&q=hotels&near=Dearborn,+MI&ie=UTF8&ll=42.306499,-83.244846&spn=0.008903,0.023389&z=16&om=0). There's a Hyatt Regency nearby, within 2 minutes drive, plus a Hampton Inn, a bit of a walk, as well as a Quality Inn on Michigan/Brady. If you crash at the Quality Inn then you can hit up the bars that litter the area, including Cheli's Chili and not have to worry about driving anywhere. If that doesn't concern you then the Hampton or Hyatt would be good choices. The Ritz Carlton is also on the same drive as the Hyatt, I know the Sox used to stay there back in the mid 90s, not sure anymore.

As for Windsor... you need a birth certificate and photo ID or a passport. That's until early 2009, then you'll need a passport. If you have any questions let me know and I'll answer the best I can.

soxgirl617

02-11-2008, 09:03 AM

I caught two games in Detroit last fall: I was there on business and was fortunate to stay right by Comerica. (I got to see the Tigers play the Blue Jays, so was able to see Big Frank, one of my personal favorites!) I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn: very nice, and I had a view of the ballpark from my room. It was literally a two block walk to the park. The park is great: nice place to see a game. They don't limit access to any area of the ballpark (at least when I was there): I had lower deck seats but explored the whole park, including the upper deck, and was never asked to show a ticket.

We ate one night at a great restaurant called Small Plates: see http://www.smallplates.com/. It's within three or four blocks of the park. I disagree completely with the post about feeling unsafe in the neighborhood: I thought it was just fine. (One of the nights I was by myself, but wasn't nervous about walking home at all.) It was admittedly not a rocking bar scene after the game (although there was a good looking bar on the corner across the street from the park), so if that's what you're looking for perhaps staying in Windsor is a better option.

Enjoy!

NU Nish 13

02-11-2008, 12:05 PM

Oblong, would you be able to answer my question above about the order of the rows?

Oblong

02-11-2008, 12:36 PM

Oblong, would you be able to answer my question above about the order of the rows?

I think you are correct. Do you know the section number? In the lower deck, infield, baselines, the rows are just numbered 1-XX. But in the OF I'm not sure how they do it, I've never sat out there. In the upper deck, as you walk out into the concourse, the lettered rows are the ones you walk down to and the numbered rows are teh ones you walk upstairs to get to... meaning the letters are better than the numbers. A big risk with the numbered rows is if you are near the stairs then you run the risk of having the people going up and down the stairs blocking your view. So if you are on the 1B side, I'd shoot for the lower numbered seats and if you are on the 3B side, I'd shoot for the higher numbered seats.

For what it's worth, the best seats in the joint are the Club Seats, section 3xx, rows A-F. Those are the first few rows in the upper deck from 1B to 3B. Face value is $25 and I have a feeling that afermarket prices won't be much more than that. I had those for the playoffs in 2006, here's a link to a pic from game 1 of the WS so you can see.

http://www.wowway.com/~oblong/game1.jpg

chisoxmike

02-11-2008, 12:41 PM

For those going...everyone should hit up a bar called The Arcade in Detroit. It excels in "dive-ness"

Fenway

02-11-2008, 12:47 PM

Meanwhile will Tiger Stadium still be standing this summer?

Chilli Palmer

02-11-2008, 01:04 PM

Meanwhile will Tiger Stadium still be standing this summer?

What will happen first Tiger Stadium is razed or Detroit's Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is indicted nows thats a tough one.

Oblong

02-11-2008, 01:15 PM

Meanwhile will Tiger Stadium still be standing this summer?

They've finished selling off everything worth getting to and selling. Upper Deck seats remain but it's not worth the crane rental he said would be required to get them. Last I heard was spring demolition. We shall see.

The guy running the auction joined our site to sell the stuff and said they found a file cabinet filled with world series ticket request letters from 1945. They also found a box of road uniform pants from the 80s. Those were selling for $25. They sold a piece of the fencing from around teh transmitter/light tower that Reggie hit in the 1971 all star game. They framed it up real nice along with a Reggie baseball card.

NU Nish 13

02-11-2008, 10:55 PM

I think you are correct. Do you know the section number? In the lower deck, infield, baselines, the rows are just numbered 1-XX. But in the OF I'm not sure how they do it, I've never sat out there. In the upper deck, as you walk out into the concourse, the lettered rows are the ones you walk down to and the numbered rows are teh ones you walk upstairs to get to... meaning the letters are better than the numbers. A big risk with the numbered rows is if you are near the stairs then you run the risk of having the people going up and down the stairs blocking your view. So if you are on the 1B side, I'd shoot for the lower numbered seats and if you are on the 3B side, I'd shoot for the higher numbered seats.

For what it's worth, the best seats in the joint are the Club Seats, section 3xx, rows A-F. Those are the first few rows in the upper deck from 1B to 3B. Face value is $25 and I have a feeling that afermarket prices won't be much more than that. I had those for the playoffs in 2006, here's a link to a pic from game 1 of the WS so you can see.

Oblong...the sections I'm lookin at are Pavilion 147-150...here's a link to the Stubhub tickets available for that game. I'd like to be in the lower deck so I can walk around the entire stadium and keep the tickets at under $20 apiece. What would you suggest?

http://www.stubhub.com/detroit-tigers-tickets/?event_id=484057

If you don't know how the rows work, do you know how I could find out? Thanks for all your help...much appreciated.

-Nish

Oblong

02-12-2008, 07:25 AM

I'll find out for sure tonight, I dont' want to visit stub hub from work. But you can still walk around the whole stadium if your seats are in the upper deck. The only place they check for tickets is in the standing room area between 1B and 3B, but that's down in the seating area, not the concourse, and you have to have seats for those areas anway. If your section is 3 or 4 sections over, they make you walk back up the stairs and go down in the proper section. You can still lap the whole park in the concourse/concession area regardless of what kind of ticket you have.